Democratic Education in a Tempest
In December 2025, Australia will become the first democracy to impose a blanket minimum age for social media.
Under the new Social Media Minimum Age Act (SMMA), platforms must demonstrate they’ve taken “reasonable steps” to prevent age-restricted users from having an account.
Unlike privacy rules in the U.S. or youth screen-time limits in China, the SMMA is the first law worldwide to impose an outright minimum-age ban across platforms.
The Australian social media ban exemplifies a troubling global trend: governments across democracies are asserting greater control over what students may read, study, or debate – whether through curriculum directives, book bans, or online restrictions.
From restrictions on schools to anti-capitalist materials prohibited in UK classrooms, political and cultural disagreements are increasingly scripting what students can access.
governments across democracies are asserting greater control over what students may read, study, or debate
Author summary: Australia imposes age restrictions on social media.
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